Here’s a poster for the 2025 Beale Air & Space Expo, celebrating “70 Years at 70,000 Feet.” The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 to 8 at Beale Air Force Base and is free and open to the public. For details, upgrades and parking information, visit BealeAirShow.com. Courtesy of Beale Air Force Base

YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - For the first time in seven years, Beale Air Force Base is opening its gates to the public for the 2025 Beale Air & Space Expo, a high-flying, family-friendly event celebrating “70 Years at 70,000 Feet.”

Taking place on June 7 and 8, this long-awaited exposition promises cutting-edge aerial performances, ground displays, interactive exhibits and a few historic firsts.

“This is a rare opportunity for the public to visit the base, learn more about its operations, and see some really cool air-based performances,” said Captain Breeze, Air Operations Director for the Beale Air Show.

Due to past cancellations caused by COVID-19 and ongoing construction, many locals and even current service members stationed at Beale have never experienced an air show at the base. While nearby areas such as Travis Air Force Base host one every two years and Sacramento holds one annually, Beale has often been overlooked despite its vital role in high-altitude reconnaissance and intelligence operations.

“Hosting an event on this scale at a military base like Beale is exceptionally difficult and I don’t think the public understands how much work and red tape there is to open the gates to a base like Beale to the general public,” Breeze said. “So, consider this your one opportunity to come out and see what Beale AFB has to offer. We’re putting a really good program together for you and we’re excited to show off what we do at Beale because we so rarely get to do that.” 

Headlining the event are the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, who will take to the skies at 3 p.m. each day. This performance marks a historic first where pyrotechnics will be incorporated into their show for the first time.

“This will be the first time in history that the Thunderbirds will have pyro added to their act,” Breeze said. “We’re hoping to do a proof of concept for the Thunderbirds so that moving forward we can open up pyro to the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. So, if you want to witness history, come to the Beale Air Show.”

However, it won’t just be the Thunderbirds lighting up the sky. Breeze said that the crew is planning to add pyro to “just about everything” to further punctuate the aerial acts.

“And yes, that means fire,” added Breeze with a grin.

The Beale air show is set to feature more than 40 aircrafts, from warbirds and military jets to emergency response helicopters and even radio-controlled planes. Attendees will get a rare glimpse of the TS-11 Iskra, a Polish jet trainer that Breeze notes “might be the only one in the U.S. air show circuit right now.”

Aviation fans of all ages will enjoy exploring hangars dedicated to interactive STEM education, simulations and a vibrant Kid Zone packed with activities. Live music will also be provided by the Band of the Golden West.

“There’s going to be something for everyone, so bring out the whole family,” said Breeze.

Another special highlight will include a dramatic display from the SERE specialists (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) out of Edwards Air Force Base. These tactical experts will parachute from a Black Hawk and an Osprey while wearing U-2 pressure suits, mimicking conditions where aviators might have to eject from high-altitude aircraft.

“I’m really starting to dig into these niche portions of aviation, stuff that people might not expect to see at a military air show,” Breeze said. “Aviation isn’t just pilots flying the Thunderbirds; aviation is everything, from people flying balloons and drone aircraft and parachuting. We’re trying to put all that on display for the public and let every corner of aviation be covered.”

The Beal Air & Space Expo is free to attend, including parking, although upgraded seating, VIP passes and perks are available for purchase at bealeairshow.com. Those looking to attend should also claim their free passes and tickets online prior to arrival. Parking passes must be visible in the dashboard. 

Gates open at 8 a.m., with venue access beginning at 9 a.m. and flying demonstrations starting around noon. Early arrival is highly encouraged for the best parking. Free shuttle service will be available for those parking farther out. Guests should enter through the Wheatland, Doolittle, or Snider gates and are strongly advised not to park along roadways or shoulders outside the base as all lanes will be dedicated to event traffic.

Prior to the air show, a special kickoff celebration will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 6, with a meet-and-greet with the Thunderbirds at Veterans Park in Marysville, an opportunity to grab autographs and photos before the big show.

Ear protection is recommended, especially for young children or anyone with sensitive hearing. Visitors are also encouraged to share their favorite moments online using hashtags #BealeAirShow and #BealeAirSpaceExpo.

“This is your one opportunity to come out and see what Beale AFB has to offer,” Breeze said. “We’re putting a really good program together for you and I hope that you enjoy it.”